Abstract: The catheter of the invention generally has component parts made of polymeric materials and a fusion bond between these catheter parts containing a compatibilizing material which enhances the miscibility of the polymeric materials to facilitate the formation of the fusion bond. The catheter parts formed of polymeric materials may not be sufficiently miscible to readily form a fusion bond. The compatibilizing material increases the miscibility of the catheter parts in the molten state to effect the fusion bond between the polymeric materials. Chemical primer and plasma surface treatments may be used to provide the catheter parts to be bonded with functional groups which improve miscibility with the compatibilizing material.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a perfusion lumen communicating with a blood vessel, and a magnetically driven impeller disposed in the perfusion lumen to increase blood flow through the catheter and the arteries.

Abstract: Articles such as medical devices are selectively coated with a lubricious coating. A temporary coating, formed from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer of low to moderate molecular weight, is painted onto those portions of the article which are to remain free of any coating in the final product. Then, the entire article is coated with a material which forms a lubricious coating. The article is then soaked in water to loosen the coatings at the locations at which the temporary coating was applied. The coatings are cleanly removed from those locations, leaving an article with a lubricious coating in some portions, and which is uncoated in the remaining portions. The process can be used in coating portions of catheters, surgical gloves, contact lenses, and any other articles which require a lubricious coating only on a portion of the surface of the article.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices including a composition that includes an aliphatic polyketone and a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Multi-layer puncture-resistant biaxially oriented coextruded films or tubings are disclosed for use in dilatation balloon catheters. The catheter balloons so formed comprise a first, inner layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin; a second layer of a thermoplastic inomeric olefin copolymer secured to the outside surface of the first layer; and an optional third layer of an orientable thermoplastic resin secured to the outside surface of the second layer. Processes for forming the dilatation catheter balloons herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided prosthetic articles having polyurethane coatings with biologically active compounds incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Methods for the preparation of such articles are also provided. Thus, a polyurethane coating is applied to a prosthetic article, the coating then swelled (without significantly dissolving the polymer) so that substantial quantities of biologically active compounds can be incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Upon long term exposure of a prosthetic article of the invention to physiological conditions, the biologically active compound is slowly released by the treated polymer. The biologically active compound is, therefore, released only at the site where it is desired, i.e., where the prosthetic article is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved configuration and method of forming an inflatable silicone balloon on a cured silicone catheter that does not require a release agent to free the balloon from the catheter. The method includes a catheter having an inflation lumen therein and an inflation port on the distal end thereof communicating the inflation lumen with the outer surface of the catheter within the interior of the balloon, comprising the following steps:Providing a substantially cured silicone compound sleeve having an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the catheter and having a length corresponding to the desired length of the inflatable balloon. Positioning the sleeve onto the distal end of the catheter and centered on the inflation port. Overdipping the distal end of the catheter and the sleeve into an uncured silicone dispersion compound to a depth of about 0.25 inches beyond the sleeve, forming an uncured silicone compound layer over the catheter and the sleeve.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the restenosis of blood vessel walls after angioplasty, including the application of low grade heat to the vessel walls. A heat applying perfusion catheter is advanced to a recently dilatated vessel region. Heat is applied to the region walls to inhibit restenosis. A preferred temperature range is from 42 to 45 degrees C. A preferred time period for treatment is from 3 to 6 minutes. A perfusion catheter allows longer heat treatment times. Electrical resistance heat, radio frequency current passage through inflation fluid, and microwave radiation are all heat sources within the scope of the invention.